Hi Amanda. I am still trying to figure out what to do about my emotional eating myself. I don't have any kids but I come from a family or emotionally eating. If you want to be friends add me. I have been on MFP a few times but i am hoping it sticks this time. I have been logging for 35 days and I am challenging myself to type in everything I eat and I am finding ways to work in exercise which is helping with stress.

Hi! I'm not a mom (yet!), but I am definitely an emotional eater. First of all, welcome, and good job for joining MFP! Tracking what you're eating is for sure the first step. You can't manage what you don't measure, after all. My advice is to track everything you eat for a month - even if the food isn't all that healthy or you're consuming more calories than you want to be. Write it all down and don't judge yourself. If you can, make notes about your emotional status that day, and anything else that might be relevant (such as if you're on your period). After a month, go back and review it. It's very likely that trends will emerge. Hopefully this detailed food log will help you identify your triggers, and then you can start working on them!

Also, if you can, try to get out and meet new people - especially mothers with little ones! Meetup.com is a great resource. There are tons of types of groups that you can join and attend meetings of like-minded folks. There are often lots of groups of moms - who get coffee, have book clubs, go on walks with strollers, meet at the park, etc. I have found an excellent women's wellness group that I attend every month, which I love.

On going to the gym - does your gym offer group fitness classes? If so, those are a great option for folks who have trouble getting motivated to work out. Plus, if you go to the same one a few weeks in a row, you'll likely start to run into the same people. I've had great friendships develop out of group fitness classes!

My final piece of advice is to talk to your husband honestly and openly about what you're going through. I found that once I finally explained to my fiance that I'm an emotional eater, what that means and how I'm trying improve my relationship with food, he has been able to be much more supportive. Now he'll suggest that we take a walk, watch my favorite trashy TV show, or give me an extended bear hug when he knows I'm stressed, instead of tucking into a big bowl of mac'n'cheese or a pint of ice cream with me. It's so helpful to have him as an ally. If your husband is not understanding or willing to be actively supportive, find someone else in your life who will be on your team.

Good luck!